State Schools Chief Tom Torlakson Comments on
Shooting Death of Schnell School Principal Sam LaCara

SACRAMENTO—State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson issued the following statement today about the shooting death of Principal Sam LaCara at Louisiana Schnell Elementary School in Placerville.

"I want to extend my deepest sympathies to the family of Principal LaCara and the students, teachers, staff, and parents of the Schnell Elementary School community in the wake of this tragic loss.

"Our schools should be safe havens from guns and violence, and I'm deeply saddened when harm comes to anyone working to educate California's children. I am grateful to the school staff members at Schnell and the public safety officers of Placerville and El Dorado County for quickly securing the campus and keeping the students and teachers safe."